VAIL, Iowa (KTIV) -
Could three bank robberies in three neighboring Iowa communities have law enforcement looking for the same suspect?
On December 29th, Iowa State Bank in Odebolt was robbed by a man who said he had a gun, but didn't show it.
Then, on January 11th, just 16 miles down the road Citizens 1st National Bank was held up in Early, Iowa.
Saturday, a third robbery this time in neighboring Crawford County, at the Westside State Bank in Vail where the suspect threatened the teller with a Molotov Cocktail.
Authorities are still investigating whether the three robberies are related.
Officials describe the suspect in the Odebolt robbery as a white male in his 40's, with a goatee, and sunglasses
A similar description in the second hold-up a white male, about 6 feet tall with a light colored beard and sunglasses.
Witnesses in Vail also describe their suspect as a white male in his 30's or 40's, wearing sunglasses, and with a reddish colored goatee but a bit shorter; 5'8" to 5'9".
The string of robberies has people in town talking.
"No this is something that don't happen here in Vail. I'm sure the other people in the other towns north of us here said the same thing," said Jim Slechta, from Vail, IA.
But that's what happened at the Westside State Bank Saturday as the suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash.
"That's an easy mark. These small towns I would imagine they're fairly easy to hit," said Slechta.
Even the weapon involved was unconventional, a Molotov cocktail; or glass bottle filled with a flammable liquid with a rag wick at the end.
It could be lit and thrown, like a grenade.
"Stated that he needed all the money and he had a light along with it," said Jim Steinkuehler, Crawford County Sheriff.
But it was never used.
"I've never heard of that at least in my years of law enforcement. I consider it to be an armed robbery in my eyes," said Steinkuehler.
"I wonder about his intelligence because if he throws that he's going to get hurt too," said John Walsh, from Vail, IA.
Residents believe it's the work of the same man who robbed two other nearby banks.
"Well of course everybody's wondering if they're connected. I'm sure the police are checking that out," said Walsh.
"They're all 3 small banks and very far apart. They've gotta be related I would think," said Slechta.
But before authorities can confirm a connection they need your help solving the case.
"I want the people of Crawford County to not panic. Let's keep our eyes and ears open.
Steinkuehler says that the Westside State Bank will re-open Monday.
Bank employees are barred from commenting during this FBI investigation.
The number you can call with information is: 712-263-2146.
